YOUNG Eddie Andrews’ dream came true when he sat in the cockpit of the Beluga at Airbus Broughton.

He enjoyed a visit to the Airbus Broughton site as part of a VIP-day out organised by Make-A-Wish, the charity which grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses.

The 12-year-old has been receiving treatment for a brain tumour for the past three years, and is passionate about aeroplanes – and his all-time favourite is the Airbus Beluga.

During his visit to Broughton, Eddie, his parents Barrie and Stella, and brother Harry, seven, were given a tour of the manufacturing areas before going out to the side of the runway.

Right on cue, the Beluga, which owes its name to the oddly-shaped fuselage, appeared overhead, and Eddie watched it land before exploring inside.

Afterwards, he was presented with a model of the aircraft by airfield operations manager, Paul Bastock.

Mr Bastock said: “Eddie specifically wanted to see the Beluga but had been told it wasn’t due on site that day. Watching his face light up as it appeared in the sky was fantastic.

“He is very knowledgeable about aviation and was asking informed questions. It was great to be able to surprise him and a wonderful experience for all those involved.”

Heidi Chapman, a volunteer with Make-A-Wish, said Eddie, from Nantwich, first became seriously ill in 2006 while on holiday in France. He was flown by air ambulance back to Liverpool, and that’s what sparked his interest in aviation.

“It was a lovely wish, one of the best we’ve ever done. Eddie knew exactly what he wanted – to fly in a light aircraft and to see the Beluga close up, and he was able to do both these things. Watching him was magical,” she said.